The Smart Growth Newton County board of directors is disappointed by the Covington City Council's refusal to approve pursuing a nonbinding grant for funds to aid in conversion of unused rail lines in the city to walking and biking trails, should the rail lines be purchased. The grant investigation would have cost the city nothing; it would have simply added information to help the council weigh the merits and costs of trail use of the rail line.

Lyrics were always the hardest thing for me to master as a kid. The Beatles invaded American rock-n-roll in December 1963, and appeared on "The Ed Sullivan Show" in February '64. Invited to join a fledgling band, I discovered how challenging memorizing lyrics to a myriad of tunes really is.

Last Sunday we were proud to once again recognize the importance of agribusiness to Newton County; little did we know that the chancellor and the Board of Regents of The University System of Georgia were planning a broadside attack against the future of a segment of our economy that provides more than $70 billion in revenue in Georgia and employs more than 69,000 workers.

In these tough economic times the university system is under pressure to cut expenses so the state can have a balanced budget.

This time of year, we are not only excited that the first warmer days of spring are just around the corner, but also that the Arts Association in Newton County's spring series is ramping up too.

During the month of March the Arts Association sponsors the True Colours Art Exhibit at the Newton County Library. This exhibit features work from all grades of Newton County students and we are always amazed at the talent of the young people within our boarders.